This article looks at some of the challenges faced by the Australian food industry and the scope for cooperation between the various interests that have a stake in resolution of these issues. In particular it explores the role community-based cooperatives might play in the future development of a more socially, ecologically and economically sustainable industry.

Sarah Howe travelled to Belfast to observe the Northern Ireland Assembly Election held in May this year. In this article she reflects upon the win by Sinn Féin, breaking years of domination by Protestant unionists. However, the election also told the story of the rise of non-sectarian parties in Northern Ireland. This article will examine this trend and ask whether this means that sectarianism is on the decline, and instead economic and social issues are the main concern of voters. Sarah Howe is the National Chair of the Australian Fabians and a member of the Australian Labor Party. Charles Richardson is a Melbourne-based political philosopher and expert on European elections.